Edna Valley Visitor Guide

Edna Valley Visitor Guide

Starting in the southern part of the county, The Edna Valley winds for a dozen miles from Arroyo Grande to San Luis Obispo through cypress-studded, Tuscan-style countryside, with picturesque wineries, working farms, and tempting bike trails. It’s bounded on the south end by Lopez Lake, a watery playground offering 22 miles of shoreline bordered by rugged mountain terrain-ideal for campers, boaters, skiers, and mountain bike adventurers.

The Edna Valley lies in the shadow of the volcanic mountains, with clay-rich soil perfect for growing grapes. In fact, the Edna Valley has one of California’s longest growing seasons. Spanish missionaries were the first to plant grapes here, beginning the proud tradition that has evolved into a world class wine region. Resembling the subsoil of Burgandy’s famous vineyards, the fertile grounds of the Edna Valley produce wines whose elements are influenced by the Pacific Ocean nearby.

Standing at the crossroads of Price Canyon and Carpenter Canyon roads, is Old Edna Townsite, the heart of the Edna Valley wine country. Founded in the early 1800s, the Old Edna Townsite was once a bustling center for early farming and ranching families – with a family home, a general mercantile, a blacksmith shop, a butcher shop, a saloon, and a dance hall. Today, the lovingly preserved Old Edna Townsite is now a central location just five miles from San Luis Obispo or Pismo Beach, in the heart of the Edna Valley wine country

Children will delight in the Blue Belly Barn and Tree House here, while their parents get sage wine advice and tasting guidance at Sextant Wine Tasting & Deli. Historic tours are available. Visit the Edna Valley Townsite and take a step back in time to a kinder, gentler way of life.

Stewardship Travel: Getaway to ‘Ah-Ha’ Moments!

As you plan your rural road trip, add an hour or two of fun volunteer time to your day, or schedule a travel adventure to a natural, cultural or historic site. Whether you are an active doer, learner or donor there are plenty of dynamic opportunities to choose from:Active Doers: Get involved, create unique memories, and engage with locals through beach cleanups that protect wildlife, and trail restoration to preserve natural habitats.Active Learners: Expand your knowledge about eco systems, natural preserves, wildlife and the local heritage through citizen science programs, docent led hikes and historic tours.Active Donors: Make a difference on vacation through charitable donation opportunities that protect wildlife, habitats, and cultural heritage sites.

Weather

Being slightly inland means higher average temps than much of the rest of our county. Winter temps can rarely have extremes from low 40s to low 80s, but average temps are in the 60s and 70s. Summers see most days with temps in the 70s and low 80s. The warmest month is September; the coldest is December. Average annual rainfall is about 18 inches with February being the wettest month. Humidity here is in the 65% to 75% range.

Packing List

Mostly sunny days make for great wine-tasting and equally great biking and hiking, so pack your sunscreen, sturdy hiking shoes, bike shorts, and if you bring nothing else, download a wine map, print it out, and tuck it into your pocket. While summer dresses, tank tops and shorts work well for daytimes, light outerwear is suggested for the cooler evenings.